Egypt has emerged as the leading African importer of U.S. goods in 2024, underlining its strategic role in shaping trade relations between the United States and the African continent. According to recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau and the International Trade Administration’s Global Market Finder, Egypt imported a total of $6.89 billion worth of American goods, surpassing all other African nations.
This surge in imports reflects Egypt’s dynamic economic base and rising demand for U.S. machinery, agricultural products, aerospace equipment and medical supplies. With a population of over 110 million and an increasingly diversified economy, Egypt’s growing appetite for American products positions it as a crucial trade partner and a gateway to the broader Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
Behind Egypt, South Africa ranked second with $5.8 billion in U.S. imports. Known for its well-established industrial infrastructure and consumer market, South Africa’s trade with the U.S. was dominated by vehicles, mechanical appliances, electronics and pharmaceuticals. Its mature logistics and manufacturing sectors make it a strategic entry point for U.S. firms looking to access the Southern African region.
Morocco came in third with $5.2 billion in imports, marking a robust demand for U.S. goods in sectors like aerospace, agriculture, energy and construction. The North African nation has invested heavily in renewable energy and infrastructure, spurring imports of advanced equipment and technology from the U.S.
Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy by GDP, imported $4.1 billion in U.S. goods, driven by sectors such as petroleum industry machinery, processed food, healthcare and agricultural inputs. Despite currency fluctuations and economic challenges, American goods remain in high demand within Nigeria’s growing consumer and industrial markets.
Rounding out the top five is Ethiopia, which imported over $1.01 billion in U.S. goods, with a notable focus on aviation-related equipment and heavy industrial machinery. Despite political and economic headwinds in recent years, Ethiopia’s ongoing infrastructure development projects continue to attract American industrial and engineering exports.
The remainder of the top ten includes Algeria ($1.01 billion), Ghana ($967 million), Kenya ($782 million), Angola ($682 million) and Côte d’Ivoire ($596 million). Each of these countries has demonstrated growing trade links with the U.S., driven by diverse economic needs ranging from healthcare and agriculture to power infrastructure and consumer goods.
Overall, U.S. exports to Africa in 2024 showcased a diversified and evolving trade relationship. Top sectors included industrial machinery, vehicles and auto parts, aerospace and aviation equipment, medical devices, pharmaceuticals and agricultural goods such as wheat, soybeans, poultry and fertilizers. Consumer products like used clothing and electronics also maintained a presence in several markets.
This export pattern illustrates how American businesses are responding to Africa’s developmental needs, especially in infrastructure, food security and health and aligning with initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to deepen regional integration and attract greater international trade.
While total U.S.-Africa trade still lags behind volumes with Europe or Asia, the steady rise in exports to African countries signals increasing U.S. engagement on the continent, not just diplomatically but commercially. As these partnerships mature, U.S. companies are likely to find even more opportunities in Africa’s fast-growing urban centers and evolving economies.
